ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

Section 1: Name: The name of the organization shall be the Auburn Links Men’s Golf Association (ALMGA).

Section 2: Purpose: The purpose for which the Auburn Links Men’s Golf Association (ALMGA) has formed is: To promote friendship, sportsmanship and social and charitable activities among its members through organized ALMGA sponsored golf tournaments and social/charitable events.

Section 3: Principal Office: The ALMGA shall maintain it's principal office for the transaction of business in the County of Lee, State of Alabama, at the address of 826 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn, Alabama 36830, or in such a place as the Board Of Directors may designate.

ARTICLE 2 – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: ALMGA Membership Year The ALMGA Membership year is from October 1st of one year through September 30th of the next year.

Section 2: Membership Type and Age An applicant must have reached his 18th birthday before he will be eligible to apply for membership. Members will be classified as Regular or Student members. Members classified, as Student members must be pursuing a postsecondary degree on a part or full time basis.

Section 3: Dues and Applications Dues for the ALMGA membership year will be determined by the Board of Directors and submitted to the membership for consideration at the July Meeting. Dues will accompany an application for membership or renewal. Annual dues are payable no later than October 1st of each year.

Section 4: Members In Good Standing An applicant is considered to be a member in good standing when he has submitted an application for membership, paid his annual dues and been notified by the Board of Directors of acceptance.

Section 5: Rejection In the event an applicant is rejected for membership, the membership fee shall be returned to the applicant. No rejected candidate shall again be considered for membership until after one year from the date of his rejection. The Board of Directors shall have the authority of acceptance or rejection of all new members.

Section 6: Suspension and Expulsion

Sub-Section 1: Authority
The Board of Directors shall have the power, by majority vote, to suspend for such a period and upon such terms as it deems appropriate, or to expel and forfeit the membership of any member for conduct which in its opinion is likely to be detrimental to the welfare, interest, repute, integrity or character of the game of golf or the ALMGA.

Sub-Section 2: Notice To The Member No vote shall be taken by the Board of Directors on a proposed forfeiture, suspension or reduction in the members handicap or expulsion from the ALMGA until 10 days notice in writing setting forth the charge or charges against the member concerned by registered mail; and such member shall have the right to be heard or respond in writing said 10 day period before any final vote is taken thereon. Should the member in question fail to respond in writing or request to be heard the Board of Directors may vote and take whatever action deemed appropriate and in the best interest of the ALMGA.

Section 7: General Membership Meetings

Sub-Section 1: General Membership Meeting A General Membership Meeting of the ALMGA shall be held quarterly in October, January, April and July of each year, and on any other dates as determined by the Board of Directors.

Sub-Section 2: Quorum At all General Membership meetings of the ALMGA, whether regular or special, twenty-five percent of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. However, a smaller number than a quorum may, in the absence of a quorum continue or adjourn any meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present and until the business of a meeting shall have been accomplished.

Sub-Section 3: Validity of Action Every election of officers, board members, adoption, amendment or repeal of By-Laws and other acts or proceedings taken at any meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be valid and binding.

Sub-Section 4: Order of Business: a) Roll Call of Officers and Board Members, b) Establishment of Quorum c) Reading of the minutes of the previous General Membership meeting d) Report of the President e) Report of the Treasurer f) Report of the Competition Chairman g) Report of the Competition Chairman h) Report of all Committee Chairman i) Old Business j) New Business k) Adjournment.

Sub-Section 5: Special Meetings Special Meetings of the ALMGA General Membership may be called and held at any time by order of the President; and the President must, at any time, call a special meeting of the ALMGA upon receipt of a written request of two or more officers and/or Board Members. Any business, which might be conducted at a regular meeting, may be conducted at a special meeting.

Sub-Section 6: Notice of Special Meetings If requested by at least two Officers and/or Board Members, the President shall notify the Secretary in writing or by electronic means specifying the time and place of the meeting and the purpose for which it is called. The General Membership of the ALMGA shall be given at least five days notice before the holding of a special meeting.





ARTICLE 3 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Section 1: Powers of the Board of Directors All powers of the ALMGA shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall control the business and affairs of the membership and shall make decisions in the best interest of the membership at all times. It is hereby declared that the Board of Directors shall have the following powers:

a) To conduct, manage and control the affairs and business of the ALMGA, to make and enforce such rules and regulations thereof not inconsistent with the law and these by-laws as in their judgment may seem in the best interest of the membership.

b) To create and appoint committees, as it shall see fit, define the duties and authorities of such committees, and to remove for cause any member of said committees.

c) To limit or prohibit any games or sports which it deems prejudicial to the best interest of the ALMGA or calculated as to bring the ALMGA into disrepute, also to prescribe rules under which such games and sports as are permitted shall be played.

d) To approve payment of all bills and those as authorized by the President or Board Members at a regular or special meeting.

e) To provide for the establishment of an Executive Committee consisting of the President, President-elect, Secretary and Treasurer to conduct any and all business of the ALMGA. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be convened at the call of the President to handle unusual and/or emergency situations wherein a normal meeting of the full board would not be expeditious.

Section 2: Officers The officers of the ALMGA shall consist of a President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Competition Chairman, and two members from the ALMGA membership. The Auburn Links Golf Club head golf professional shall serve as a permanent advisor to the ALMGA Board in an ex-officio nonvoting capacity.

Section 3: Officer Elections The officers, except the President, shall be elected every two years at the October meeting of the General Membership. The President-elect shall succeed to the office of the President without election for a term of two years. In the event the office of the President-elect becomes vacant, an additional office of President will be added to the ballot.

Section 4: Officer Terms The officers shall serve a two-year term. The Secretary and the Treasurer may be re-elected for one additional two-year term. Other officers may be re-elected after a two-year waiting period. Officers shall be installed and assume their duties at the last business meeting of the General Membership in October.

Section 5: Vacancies In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the President-elect shall serve the remainder of the term as acting President and, upon completion of said term, shall assume the presidency in normal order. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President-elect, there shall be no replacement until the biannual election at which time there shall be elected a President and President-elect. In the event of a vacancy in both the offices of President and President-elect, the immediate past President shall preside over the Board of Directors. The Board will then select a President to serve until the next election. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary or Treasurer, the Board of Directors may appoint a replacement from its own body or the general membership for the remainder of the term. If the immediate past President is unable to serve for any reason, no vacancy shall be deemed to have occurred.

Section 6: Duties of Officers Subject to the control of the Board, all officers shall have authority and perform such duties in the management of the ALMGA as may be provided by the membership and these Bylaws, as generally pertain to their respective offices.

Sub-Section 1: Shared Duties Even though each Officer/Board Member may have specific responsibilities and duties, it is incumbent on each member to work together and assist other Board Members when the workload of a specific project or event dictates the need for a total team effort in order to ensure it's success.

Sub-Section 2: President: The powers and duties of the President are:

a) To preside at all meetings of the ALMGA and Board of Directors.

b) To ensure the By-Laws and such rules and regulations as recommended by the USGA, AGA or as adopted by the Board of Directors are properly executed and to report to the Board any infractions thereof.

c) To call meetings that are herein required to be called by the President.

d) To exercise general leadership over the business and affairs of the ALMGA and at the quarterly meetings of the Membership, provide a report on the general concerns and conditions of the ALMGA during the previous quarter.

e) To affix the signature of the ALMGA to all obligations and other papers and instruments in writing that may be required.

f) To appoint and serve as ex-officio member of all committees. To coordinate with the Competition Chairman the selection and establishment of sufficient Competition Committee members to carry out successful ALMGA tournament events.

g) To cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie at all meetings of the ALMGA or the Board of Directors.

h) To perform all such duties as pertain to his office and that may be required by the Board of Directors to ensure the success of the ALMGA.





Sub-Section 3: Secretary: The powers and duties of the Secretary are:

a) To maintain full, open, complete and accurate records of all Board of Directors and General Membership meetings of the ALMGA.

b) To sign all instruments of writing requiring his signature and to countersign all checks and drafts only in the absence of the President and Treasurer.

c) To make service and publication of all notices that may be necessary or proper without any direction or command from anyone.

d) To keep a current, complete membership roster of ALMGA members and to furnish a copy of the membership roster to each Board Member and the Auburn Links Pro-Shop.

e) To maintain the Official Correspondence of the ALMGA.

f) To perform all other duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the Board of Directors.

g) To publish and maintain all Board adopted or rescinded policies as an addendum to these By-Laws for as long as these By-Laws are in existence or as removed by the Board of Directors.

h) To maintain current information on the ALMGA website and keep the ALMGA email lists in working condition.

Sub-Section 4: Treasurer: The powers and duties of the Treasurer are:

a) Under normal circumstances, to sign all checks and drafts. In his absence, the Treasurer is authorized to delegate primary signatory authority in the order of the President first or in both of their absences, the Secretary.

b) To receive and safely keep all money of the ALMGA; to deposit it in the name of the ALMGA in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors may designate, to disburse the same upon the approval of the President or Board of Directors and to sign all checks and drafts.

c) To keep complete records of the accounts of every member of the ALMGA and to collect all monies due to the ALMGA.

d) To keep full and accurate financial records of accounts of the receipts and disbursements of the ALMGA and to render printed monthly reports to the President, Secretary and to the Board of Directors.

e) To submit at the General Membership meetings a complete financial statement and report on the health of the Treasury of the past quarter.

f) To identify any existing or predictable financial problems.

g) To perform all such duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the President or Board of Directors.

Sub-Section 5: Competition Chairman: The powers and duties of the Competition Chairman are:

a) To provide leadership, direction and oversight to the Competition Committee members to plan, schedule, publish dates, tournament formats, and establish entry requirements consistent with ALMGA general practices for all Tournaments for the following year.

b) To take entries for all Tournaments.

c) To post on bulletin boards and provide to the Secretary for posting on the ALMGA web site, all schedules and formats for future Tournament Events.

d) To one week in advance, provide the Pro-Shop with an estimate of how many players are anticipated for an event. On the day of the tournament, provide the Pro-Shop with up to date changes.

e) To, if necessary, make arrangements for determining the required food and beverages with the food and beverage manager.

f) To, if necessary, prepare the scoring boards with the names of all the entrants for a tournament, plan and supervise the competition.

g) Upon completion of the tournament, to score and post the results to all entrants in a "timely" manner and provide the Secretary with the results electronically.

h) To, keep tournament records regarding the revenue, expenses and results of all Home Tournaments and report such to the Treasurer.

I) To provide to the Secretary with an accurate listing of membership email addresses and provide a monthly update to the ALMGA Board and the Auburn Links Pro-Shop.

j) Generally, to perform all such duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the President.

k) To notify the Board of Directors of the results of analyses of tournaments, which may indicate that, a members existing handicap may not accurately reflect their skill level.

l) To present a plan for fair and equitable distribution of prizes in gross and net categories to the Board of Directors for their approval.

m) Ensure that all Tournament Scores are accurately posted to the ALGA GHIN handicap program within 7 days after a tournament.

n) Monitor recreational play to ensure that players are accurately posting their scores.

o) Notify the Board of Directors when it is suspected that a player is not accurately posting his recreational golf scores.

p) Monitor player recreational play to encourage that all player scores be posted within (3) three days of the event.

q) As required, prepare for, the management and scoring of ALMGA tournament events.

u) Prepare and distribute the necessary ALGA applications for ALMGA members to join and enter the GHIN handicap system.

r) Prepare any necessary documentation and notification to the Board of Directors for any member who does not adhere to the spirit and intent of the handicap system.

Sub-Section 6: Board Members: The powers and duties of Board Members are:

a) To provide input and direction to the ALMGA Board reflecting the interest of the ALMGA membership at large.

b) To assist the ALMGA officers and membership to carry out the mission and function of the ALMGA.

c) To carry out duties as may be required by the President to foster ALMGA activities.

Section 7: Terms of Office

The President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Competition Chairman, will hold office for two years and will be elected as described in Article 2, Section 4. Of the two Board Member positions fifty percent will be subject to nomination and re-election each year. The purpose of this procedure is to maintain continuity in conducting the business of the ALMGA. Each Officer and Board Member elected will enter into their respective term of office and be presented to the membership at the October General Membership meeting.

Section 8: Elections

Sub-Section 1: Nominations The Board of Directors shall, at its April meeting appoint a Nomination Committee consisting of at least two members, including at least one Director from the Board of Directors. The nominating committee shall solicit from any member of the ALMGA in good standing the nomination of any other member of the ALMGA as a candidate by filling, or causing to be filed with the Secretary, a notice of such nomination in writing, along with the written acceptance of the nominee.

Sub-Section 2: Election Day It shall be the duty of the Secretary to prepare sufficient ballots upon which shall be placed in alphabetical order the names of all the members nominated with a space on the left of the name sufficient for a mark indicating the choice of the voter. "Write-In" candidates will not be accepted. The annual election shall be held at the quarterly General Membership meeting in July of each year.

Sub-Section 3: Notice To Membership Notice of such election shall be given to the membership via electronic media, posting on a bulletin board or any other means deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

Sub-Section 4: Eligibility and Voting All members in good standing are eligible to participate in the election. All voting shall be by ballots prepared by the Secretary.

Sub-Section 5: Absentee Ballots The Secretary will prepare absentee ballots and make them available via email to members requesting them, members shall print, vote and return their ballot to the Secretary prior to the vote count at the quarterly General Membership meeting in July of each year.

Sub-Section 6: Determining The Winners The candidates with the most votes will be elected to the number of Offices and/or Board vacancies that exist. The Secretary, or when the Secretary is running for re-election, a Director appointed by the President, is responsible for recording the number of votes for each nominee.

Section 9: Meetings of the Board of Directors

Sub-Section 1: Monthly Meetings Unless changed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, meetings of the Board of Directors shall be scheduled for 6:00 pm on the second Friday of each month, at the meeting facilities of the Auburn Links Golf Course. The President, or his appointee, has the option to change the date, time and location of any monthly meeting.

Sub-Section 2: Special Meetings Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by order of the President, and the President must at any time call a Special meeting of the Board of Directors upon the written request of two or more Board Members. Notification of the time and place of a special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Board Member at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to such a meeting.

Sub-Section 3: Quorum Five members of the Board of Directors must be present in order to conduct business.

Section 10: Vacancies Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, such vacancy shall be filled by an appointee of the President subject to confirmation by the majority of the Board Members. The member so appointed, shall hold office until the next regularly scheduled election or, at the option of the Board, serve out the remainder of the term.

Section 11: Removal of Officers The President or any other Board Member of the ALMGA may be removed from office for good cause shown by an affirmative vote of not less than three fourths vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the ALMGA called for that purpose provided all members of the ALMGA have had (10) ten days notice in writing regarding the purpose of the meeting.

Section 12: Creation of Additional Positions The Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, may approve additional Board positions as deemed necessary to conduct the successful business of the ALMGA.

ARTICLE 4 – TOURNAMENTS AND HANDICAPS

Section 1: Tournament Eligibility

Sub-Section 1: Members All members in good standing are eligible to participate in all ALMGA Home or Away Tournaments.

Section 2: Tournament Handicap System All ALMGA members are encouraged to join and post all home and away scores utilizing the GHIN handicapping system.

Section 3: Cash Prizes In order to avoid violating AGA amateur status rules, cash prizes will only be awarded in categories in which players pool their own money (such as Gross & Net Skins Games).

Section 4: Hole-In-One Assistance The ALMGA will give any player who records a hole-in-one during a home or away ALMGA sponsored tournament up to a $50 cash prize.

Section 5: Posting of Tournament and Recreational Golf Scores Normally, the Competition Chairman will post all ALMGA tournament scores to the GHIN handicap system. However, each ALMGA member is solely responsible for the "timely" accurate posting of all recreational golf scores regardless of where played, winter or summer rules, even if less than 18 holes are played. There are provisions for member posting of a score that is for less than 18 holes. If there is an indication or suggestion that a member has failed to post a score, the Competition Chairman will contact the member, and at his sole discretion, give the member 24 hours to post. Should the member, for whatever reason, fail to comply, the Competition Chairman will post a score for him equal to the lowest differential he has posted on the most recent player report.

ARTICLE 5 – MAINTENANCE OF THE BY-LAWS

Section 1 – Amendments These By-Laws may be approved by a two-thirds majority of the General Membership and amended at either a regular or special meeting provided the Secretary has given each member notice of the proposed changes and that there is a quorum present.

Section 2 – Decisions All By-Laws and adopted policies governing this ALMGA must be consistent with AGA Policy. With respect to all questions as to the meaning and construction of the By-Laws, a decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and conclusive.

The By-Laws of the Auburn Links Men’s Golf Association were approved and adopted at the General Membership meeting February 7, 2008.

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ADDENDUMS ADDENDUM 1 - USGA HANDICAP SYSTEM

Section 1: Purpose The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis. The system provides fair Course Handicaps for players regardless of ability, and adjusts players Handicap Index up or down as one's game changes. At the same time it disregards high scores that bear little relation to the player's potential ability and promotes continuity by making handicaps continuous from one playing season or year to the next.

Section 2: Timely Posting: Posting scores immediately following the round at the course where the round is played is the preferred way to expose scores to peer review. This method of posting shall be used at all times. If a player fails to post a score in a "timely" manner, the Competition Chairman may post the score without the player's authorization. In competition, the committee in charge of the competition will post the scores of all the competitors.

Section 3: Adjustments The Competition Chairman has the responsibility of making certain that a players USGA handicap index reflects his potential playing ability. Before an adjustment becomes effective, the chairman must give the player an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustment, either in writing or verbally. When an adjustment does become effective, it shall be identified with the letter "M". Under the conditions listed below, the Competition Chairman may adjust a players GHIN handicap index. The Competition Chairman is duly responsible to identify and notify those players who violate the spirit and intent of the handicapping system. If a player continues to violate the handicapping system after notification, the Competition Chairman shall recommend to the Board of Directors that player’s handicap index be withdrawn. Improving faster than the system can react. A player just taking up the game may improve to rapidly for his handicap index to be calculated by standard procedures to reflect his potential ability. Numerous away scores change the index. If a players handicap index increases by three or more, strokes due to posting numerous away scores and subsequent scores at his home course clearly indicate his handicap is to high, the handicap committee shall adjust the players handicap downward. Temporary Disability. An increased handicap shall not be given because a player is off his game or has discontinued play. However, an increased handicap may be given for a temporary disability and must be indicated with the letter "L". Failure to Post. A GHIN handicap index shall be adjusted up or down if a player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the GHIN handicap system. The Competition Chairman shall determine the amount and time of adjustment. If a player fails to post an acceptable score in a "timely" manner after completion of the round, the Competition Chairman will post the score and a penalty score and rating equal to the lowest handicap differential in the players scoring record. However, if the score not posted is unusually high, the Competition Chairman will enter the score and a penalty score and rating equal to the highest differential in the players scoring record. If a player manipulates his scores to influence his handicap index, the handicap committee will adjust or withdraw his handicap index. Examples of manipulating scores are:

a) Posting erroneous scores.

b) Repeatedly playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores.
c) Not adjusting hole scores according to a players index.

d) Deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored.

e) Deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score.

If 13 or more holes are played, the player shall post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player shall post a nine-hole score. In either case, scores for un-played holes shall be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that a player is entitled to receive on the un-played holes. The Competition Committee shall review the reduction of a players index for exceptional tournament scores. When a player has two or more tournament scores with differentials of three strokes better than his handicap, the Competition Committee may adjust the players handicap index equal to the lowest tournament score for a period of time as determined by the Competition Committee. If a player repeatedly fails to meet his responsibilities under the current GHIN handicap system, the Competition Committee shall withdraw the player’s handicap index. Before any action can be taken, the player shall be advised of the information available to the Competition Committee and shall be invited to respond either in writing or verbally. Any player, who has his handicap index withdrawn, may be reinstated under conditions set forth by the Competition Committee.

Below is a sample letter of notification:

(ALMGA Stationary) (Date) Dear Mr. _____________
After reviewing your scoring record, the Competition Committee of the Auburn Links Men’s Golf Association has determined that your GHIN Handicap Index does not accurately reflect your potential playing ability. We have concluded that your (rapid improvement; numerous away scores; your recent injury; your failure to post scores in a “timely” manner; your posting of erroneous scores; or your recent psychological tests substantiating your mental illness) has produced a handicap index that is not accurate. In the interest of fair play, the Competition Committee is modifying your handicap index in accordance with the USGA GHIN handicapping system. Your handicap index will be _____ for a period of __________. Before the adjustment becomes effective, you may appeal the decision of the Competition Committee to the Board of Directors by letter or in person at any regularly scheduled meeting. During the appeals process and until this matter is resolved, you are prohibited from participating in ALMGA events. If the committee does not hear from you, your modified index will be used for the period indicated above. In the interim the Competition Committee encourages you to continue to take all of your prescribed medications as ordered by your treating physician and to accurately post all of your scores in a “timely” manner and observe all aspects of the USGA Handicapping System. Sincerely, Mr. Badsonofabitch, Competition Chairman